The Minority Caucus in Ghana’s Parliament has escalated tensions by occupying seats traditionally reserved for the Majority, deepening the standoff between the two sides.
Led by their leadership, the Minority took this bold step as Parliament reconvened on Tuesday, October 22, 2024, in a highly anticipated session. This move has further heightened political friction between the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) and the governing New Patriotic Party (NPP), as both factions battle for control of the Chamber amidst ongoing legal and political disputes.
The Minority’s action is seen as a direct response to Speaker Alban Bagbin’s October 17 ruling, which declared four parliamentary seats vacant, reducing the NPP’s numbers and shifting the balance of power in favor of the NDC. Following this ruling, the NDC now holds 136 seats, making them the de facto majority, while the NPP retains 135 seats. The vacant seats include two from the NPP, one from the NDC, and one held by an independent MP.
However, the NPP swiftly contested the Speaker’s decision. Majority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin filed an appeal with the Supreme Court, which intervened on October 18, staying the Speaker’s ruling and allowing the affected MPs to continue their duties pending a final decision. This legal challenge has left the status of the Majority in Parliament uncertain, fueling a power struggle over control of the Chamber.
The Minority’s decision to occupy the Majority’s side is largely viewed as a symbolic assertion of their numerical advantage. Minority Chief Whip Governs Kwame Agbodza defended their actions, stating they were justified based on the Speaker’s ruling and the current parliamentary composition.
As the session began, NDC MPs took seats traditionally reserved for the NPP, with some Minority leaders sitting alongside Majority Chief Whip Frank Annoh-Dompreh. This move sparked protests from NPP MPs, who accused the opposition of trying to seize control of Parliament without respecting the ongoing legal process.
The Majority Caucus, led by Annoh-Dompreh, strongly condemned the Minority’s actions. Annoh-Dompreh warned that the Majority would not passively allow the opposition to assert control, emphasizing that the legal process must be respected.
Security around Parliament has been heightened, with thorough screenings for MPs and staff, and restricted access to the public gallery and parking areas to prevent clashes.
This political standoff comes at a crucial moment for Ghana, as the country prepares for the 2024 general elections. The Speaker’s ruling, the Supreme Court’s intervention, and the battle for control in Parliament have created a volatile situation, with both the NPP and NDC determined to claim victory.
The Ghana Center for Democratic Development (CDD-Ghana) has called for restraint and urged all parties to follow the rule of law. The Center warned that political instability could arise if the situation is not handled carefully, emphasizing the need for peace and stability.
As the legal battle over the vacant seats unfolds, the political drama in Parliament is expected to intensify. Both sides are preparing for a prolonged confrontation, and it remains uncertain whether the Supreme Court’s final ruling will restore order or deepen the divide. For now, the Minority’s bold move to occupy the Majority side has made it clear that the struggle for control in Parliament is far from over.